[Zillini]

I agree that campuses with ever growing Greek systems should be looking to expand. It's a blessing and a curse having these incredibly large pledge classes year in and year out. It's wonderful to have a strong Chapter and an overall strong Greek system, but the sheer numbers make it difficult to manage the group as a whole.

Bama's in that situation with Chapter size and quota climbing each year. This year is looking to be no different. We are talking about expansion but can't until the University can offer comperable locations for housing. For anyone who is familiar with the campus, that's a big challenge, though there are a few possibilities. Point being, until that's available we can't expand. At the earliest in 2-3 years from what I've been told.

I was also told by our former Greek Advisor that the Univ wouldn't just expand by 1. They want 2 so that no one group is the "low man on the totem pole". So once space is available then we'll then go through the expansion selection process. Rumors (emphasize that) I've heard is that while almost every GLO that isn't currently on campus would love to come there are financial considerations that make them a bit hesitant. I've also heard it will take $1 mill +/- to build a comperable house.

ETA: I almost forgot. The GA also said that once the Board of Trustees approves a site for new housing it would be offered first to the current sororities if they wish to build a new house. A Chapter could then sell their old house to one of the new expansions. What I don't know is how it would be decided which Chapters would get to do this if there are more interested than there is space available. Highest bid? Random drawing? I'm also not sure how many would want to. /eta

Another thing worth mentioning, I was told by our accountant at least 10 years ago that our break even point for operating our physical chapter house was 120. Inflation and an aging house surely have affected that number, but we also have increased room and board fees over the years. I'm not sure if that's still an accurate number and I probably need to find out. Point being, the problem is not just whether a new sorority's International has the money to fund building a new house, but will the Chapter then be able to recruit enough members year in and year out to maintain it and service the expected mortgage?

Then we also have to factor in that it is a highly competitive campus for Recruitment. It could be difficult for any new or even returning sorority to get a strong foothold. Other rumored concerns are that while maybe the first few years they may pledge strong numbers due to the newness/excitement, but will it last? From my own experience here I can't tell you how many pnm's we see each year who say "I'm going XYZ/Old Row or nothing." I hope that this mindset can be overcome, but face it on a campus with such strong traditions it could be tough.

Please don't get me wrong, I'd love to see Bama expand. But it's easier said than done both here and on similar campuses.